Have you ever done something wrong? Seems like a
simple question with a simple answer, but why is it we forget that when
it comes time to forgive someone else from a mistake they made.
Forgiveness is something we want to receive but many times are not as
willing to give. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ.
Let me set the record straight, we all make mistakes. We all
make choices that seem right at the time but in retrospect they were not
the correct ones. That being said why have we become a society that has
developed a less forgiving attitude. Zero tolerance is not the right way
to deal with mistakes.
As the season winds down I can remember several occasions
over the past few months that mistakes on and off the track have been
made. At the moment when they occurred it seemed the whole season hinged
on them. After a little time passed there significance has waned and we
have moved on. Those are the ones that are easy to deal with. Other
mistakes take on a life of there own.
Some are not truly mistakes but maybe a little creative rules
interpretation. Penalties are levied and corrections are made. We move
on or at least we are supposed to. Some of us have longer memories than
others.
Some linger because the punishment doesn't fit the crime.
This is where timing and zero tolerance collide. As the season plays
itself out the rules change. When things get out of hand we receive a
warning and then the rules change. What would have been acceptable
before is now a violation of the rules. These situations really cause us
the most angst. When the rules change midstream it seems the ability to
discern intent is thrown out. We are judged by one standard and
extenuating circumstances are not considered. Most times the punishment
doesn't fit the crime, but because there is no flexibility and only one
penalty for everything that fits under this new rule. It seems the voice
of reason has no place in the discussion.
Some never seem to be dealt with so they linger and fester.
These types affect relationships and are the most destructive. No matter
what the situation was, when mistakes are made they need to be
corrected. We need to take responsibility for them and seek forgiveness.
We then need to forget about it and move on.
Forgive and forget; a familiar refrain, but one of the most
difficult things for us to do. We want to get back at the person who
wronged us. We have a need to get even. We have our rights and no one is
going to take advantage of us. We say that we forgive bit we will never
forget. These are many of the comments you hear when you encourage
others to forgive. We tend to be unforgiving people when it comes to
others, but we want to be forgiven when it comes to us.
Let's take a look at what God says about this issue. God's
rules never change and His standard is always the same. God does not
accept our mistakes. God is right and just and mistakes are not
something that God can accept. God says all mistakes are the same, big,
small doesn't matter all mistakes fall into the category of sin, missing
the mark. We all have made them and all will have to pay the penalty.
Romans 8:23 , There is no difference, for all
have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
And the penalty is the same;
Romans 6:23a, For the wages of sin is death,
But look at the rest of that verse and we start to see what
God intends for us.
Romans 6:23b, but the gift of God is eternal
life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God said I will make a way for your mistakes to be forgiven;
I will send My Son, Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for you.
John 3:16-18, "For God so loved the world that
he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not
perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the
world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever
believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands
condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one
and only Son.
We have spoken at chapel about being a peacemaker. Jesus was
the ultimate peacemaker. He gave his life so that we could have peace
with God. Jesus came, suffered, died and rose again so that the penalty
for our sin would be paid in full. We can receive that payment by
accepting it. It is a gift from God.
Ephesians 2:8-9, For it is by grace you have
been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift
of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast.
God provided this opportunity for forgiveness and we can
receive it by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. When we do,
we make peace with God, we restore our relationship with Him, our sin is
forgiven and remembered no more.
As the season comes to an end, take a look back and see if
there are some people you need to forgive. We are expected to forgive as
God forgave us. That means not because we deserve it but because He
loves us. Forgive not because they deserve it, but because God forgave
you.
We cannot experience the full blessing of God if we refuse to
forgive others. Our unwillingness to forgive implies that our standard
is greater than God's. That is not correct; God's standard is the only
one that counts. If God is willing to forgive us there is no reason we
could have for not forgiving others. Make that commitment this week.
Commit that you will go to the people you have refused to forgive and
forgive them. Don't worry if they refuse to accept it, many have refused
to accept the forgiveness that God offers. We are not called to make
people accept our forgiveness, but to offer the gift. Offer that gift to
someone today. God Bless, Rev. Don
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
First Annual John Blewett III Motorcycle Run - We heard good
reports from Wall about the First Annual John Blewett III Motorcycle
Run. More bikes and people than expected showed up. Thanks go out to
Crystal and her crew for organizing such a great event. Also we want to
thank Jamie and Cheryl Tomaino for representing the ministry and asking
for God’s blessing over the event and the participants. We are humbled
to be the beneficiary of the proceeds. Dan and I and the entire Racing
with Jesus team wish to extend a heart felt thanks to everyone who has
reached out and helped us.
John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout - This weekend
we head south to remember John at Concord Motorsports Park . We are
looking forward to being part of the fifth annual John Blewett III
Memorial North-South Shootout. The number of events that are being held
in John’s honor are a testament to the number of lives he touched. We
move forward in life and leave the difficulties behind but we will never
forget how our lives have been touched.
2008 Whelen Modified Tour - We had a great conversation with
Phil Kurze of Whelen out in Irwindale. He shared with us many of the
plans and dreams they have for the Whelen Modified Tour. He said we will
be surprised and excited about what the 2008 schedule holds. He also
shared that the future is long bright for the modified tour and Whelen’s
relationship with NASCAR. If only a part of what he shared with us
happens, we will see some exciting changes. It is great to be involved
with such a committed sponsor. Phil was also impressed with the facility
in Irwindale and wondered out loud how great of a show the modifieds
would put on out there. I guess we’ll have to sneak a few on the Grand
National haulers next year.
Gasburg Baptist Chili Fest - Never let it be said that
Baptists miss the opportunity for a meal - or for an opportunity to
share Christ's love. Gasburg Baptist Church , in Monrovia Indiana hosted
a community Chili Fest, featuring Bobby Raikes and the Apologetic Band,
and a Southern Gospel Ensemble, His Designs. Eighteen competed for title
of Chili Master and yours truly came in 2nd with 'Jaguars’ Ruin' -
concocted during last Monday's NFL Colt’s game.
A new Racing with Jesus Ministries display was featured
amongst the bands and the eating and I answered a few questions about
who we are and what we do. I was able to share my story and, I hope, to
spark some more interest in promoting what we do. I am still seeking
some help here in the
Indianapolis area. With more than a half dozen short tracks within 100
miles and some old brick oval, there are plenty of opportunities. If you
think God wants you to be an ambassador of Jesus at the track, pray
about it and seek how you can help be contacting your local purple-guy.
RWJM will be talked about more at a future Gasburg men’s
fraternity meeting. We call our group T.H.I.S. – trust, honor,
integrity, and service, and try to be the examples to the community as
fathers, husbands, and leaders.
Odds and End - While Woody was driving a Grand National car
for the first time in LA his #79 tour ride was getting it’s exercise at
Franklin County with James Civali at the wheel. James posted a track
record in time trials and won the 150 lap ASA race.
We’ll be down south at Concord Motorsports Park this weekend,
hope to see you there
Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and
apparel. See them at the Online Apparel Store at
www.RWJM.org. Call us with your prayer
and counseling needs and list all your prayer needs, no matter what part
of our racing family you are in, with the Racing Family Prayer Request
Page
www.rwjm.org/page/prayers.php also send your prayer request by mail.
Until next time, remember that God loves you, we love you and
Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
Mail reaches us at Racing with Jesus Ministries, PO Box 586,
Tolland, CT 06084. Check our weekly printed pages in "Area Auto Racing
News", the East Coast’s largest weekly racing paper" See our on-line
Apparel Store for subscription information. Check our home page
www.rwjm.org for past articles. We
invite you to input your thoughts as you sign our Guest Book. Please
remember, we can only do what we do because of your prayerful financial
support.
Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep
you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the
Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
May God always Bless you, everyday in everyway. Rev. Don
CHECKERED CHEERS
***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***
November 1
BRAD & DIANE BENNETT - This Reyben Racing NASCAR CTS and ASA driver
from Stamford, CT and wife share their 9th anniversary.
TOM & SALLY CAVALLERO - These Wall Township Speedway fans from
Farmingdale, NJ have their 11th.
ALAN & KATE CLAFFIE - This reporting/photographing couple whose
work can be seen on eastseries.com share their 5th year together.
November 3
DINO & CHRIS LAWRENCE - The former Artworks proprietor in Danbury,
CT, now heading up his Carolina Signworks in Rockingham, NC along with
his lovely wife Chris, are RWJM Counselors and sponsors of the graphics
on the Dodge Ministry Pace Cars. They share their 16th anniversary.
November 6
RICK & DONNA SCHAFFER - The Woxall, PA Grandview Speedway based
all-time winningest Mod driver and wife celebrate their 16th
anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
October 31
LENNY SAMMONS - Character counts with people like this. He is the
Publisher/Editor of Area Auto Racing News.
BUDDY LAZIER - Vail, CO IRL driver.
GARY LILECK - "Area Auto Racing News" race results
reporter/writer.
RACHEL & HEATHER MARTIN - The grown-up daughters of Batesville,
AK Roush Racing Valvoline team WC driver Mark and wife Arlene.
November 1
RICHARD BALSER - The grown-up son of Mass. photographer/PR Rep.
Dave.
November 2
JULIE POST - The light that makes her husband shine, he says. She is
the wife of Steve Post the Track Announcer for Lowe's Motor Speedway in
Charlotte, NC.
LARRY PEARSON - Spartansburg, SC BGN retired driver.
STAN GREGER - Retired Modified driver famous at the now closed
Riverside Park Speedway.
BILL KUZMA - Wall Township Speedway driver.
JOHN TAGG - Dad of Webster, MA CT Mod driver Tom.
November 3
GREG SACKS - Mattituck, LI, NY NNC driver.
DERRIKE COPE - Spanaway, WA NNC driver.
November 4
JAMES BROWN - Barrington, VT NASCAR BES driver.
BRIAN ROSS - Retired Ballston Spa, NY Modified/NASCAR BES driver.
DON DAVIES - New York "Area Auto Racing News" dirt columnist.
JERRY VENNE - Bow, NH racing media personality.
DOTTIE PARK - Wife of Bob and mom of Todd and CTS's Steve.
November 5
PETE RONDEAU - No. Waterboro, ME NASCAR crew chief.
November 6
GEGE GRAVEL - Groton, MA ProStock/BES driver.
GLEN BREHIO - Templeton, MA NASCAR BES driver.
ANDY HOUSTON - Hickory, NC CTS/BGN driver.
BRUCE KLINE - OCFS dirt Mod driver.
ROY HANKS - Somers, CT ProStock driver.
DENISE BARKER - Wife of Legends 8NY team owner Bob "Mad Dog"
Barker of Staten island, NY.
CASEY LaJOIE - One of BGN Randy's and Lisa's children is 12.
BARBARA SMITH - Wife of Setauket, LI, NY Marco.
*** IN THE SHOP ***
DANNY McLAUGHLIN SR – Danny received a diagnosis this week of
brain cancer. Please keep Danny and his family in your thoughts and
prayers as they map out a treatment plan.
“TINKER” – Our favorite High Four Jamie Tomaino crewmember is
recovering from surgery and is in need of our prayers. Please lift him
up and ask our Lord to complete the healing.
*** NEW BEGINNINGS ***
NANCY A. LEE - Nancy, of East Hartford, Ct., wife of Perry A.
Lee, passed away on Oct. 18, 2007 at 53 due to cancer. Perry is a
long-time crew member on the car of Jeff Pearl at Ct.'s Waterford
Speedbowl. Besides her husband, she leaves behind her father, Fred
Simons; brothers Bobby and Richard; and a special uncle, Bill Simons.
Cards can be sent to the family at: 24 Spaulding Circle, East Hartford,
CT 06118.
*** CREW ADDITIONS ***
AIDAN KYLE MENSCHNER - Bob JR., and his wife had a new boy!!
Aidan Kyle was 7lbs.-14ozs.--21" long. He joins his brother, Brady. Bob
SR now has 5 grand-kids all boys, Tyler, Conner, Brady, Caleb and Aidan.
Ask God to bless this baby and guide him in HIS word. Bob needs to get
someone into 1/4 midgets to start a 1/4 midget ministry.
*** REMEMBRANCES ***
November 5
TONY MARGIEL - Tony was the former crew chief at TG Racing for L.W.
Miller and passed away on November 5, 2005.
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES AT
PO BOX 586, Tolland, CT, 06084
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Racing With Jesus Ministries Website
